Medical marijuana treatment centers in Massachusetts may offer curbside pickup of medical marijuana and marijuana products for registered qualifying patients and caregivers in order to limit coronavirus transmission during Massachusetts’ state of emergency, the Cannabis Control Commission announced on March 27.

The commission issued an administrative order temporarily authorizing the activity pursuant to the Baker-Polito administration’s order that deemed medical marijuana treatment center services essential to the Commonwealth. During the state of emergency, MTCs will have the option to add sales by phone or electronic means and the transfer of marijuana and marijuana products in the parking area of their premises or to an individual at the entrance to the MTC. In the interest of public safety, cash payments will only be accepted inside the facility.

When using curbside pickup, MTC agents will first need to verify the age, registration status, and patient allotment of the patient or caregiver before they complete their purchase.

Similar to the state’s requirements for entering a medical dispensary, agents will be prohibited from conducting a transaction in which any individuals under the age of 21 are present who are not registered with the state’s Medical Use of Marijuana Program. Video camera coverage of all areas where marijuana is handled or dispensed will still be required.

MTCs must submit to the commission a standard operating procedure for curbside pickup, including an updated facility layout identifying designated curbside sales area(s), traffic queuing plans, and signage to direct patients. They also must notify municipalities, including police and health officials, of their plans, and maintain compliance with their host community agreement and all other applicable local rules, regulations, ordinances and bylaws of their city or town while offering curbside operations.

As a result of the governor’s Order Expanding Access to Telehealth Services and to Protect Health Care Providers, the commission also has enabled Certifying Health Care Providers to apply for a waiver that allows for the certification of new patients using telehealth. Telehealth renewals are already authorized under the commission’s medical use of marijuana regulations.

For more information, visit https://mass-cannabis-control.com.

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